Give Wisely

Americans are well known for their generosity and, should anyone contradict you, we've got data to prove it.  Even during lean economic times, Americans have dug deep into their pockets to support causes at home an abroad and today is no exception.

Here at United Way, we have pledged $20,000 to support the American Red Cross rescue and relief efforts and another $20,000 to Catholic Charities' Haitian Multi-Service Center to help them provide counseling and crisis management services to local families as well as emergency financial support to keep families affected by the earthquake stable. Finally, to empower others to help the Haitian Community in Boston, we have set up an online action center at: www.chooseyourimpact.org/haiti. The website will enable donors, advocates and volunteers to respond to the tragedy, by supporting local families impacted by the earthquake.

We want you to be generous, as always, and ask you to consider a few things before you give:

• Collections and drives for food, water, clothing and medicine can be difficult due to the challenge of transporting what is collected.
• Give to a reputable organization.  If you have questions about the legitimacy of a charity, the Massachusetts Attorney General Office has some tips on choosing your charity.
• The immediate need is for cash donations to support rescue and relief efforts.  A small ($5 or $10) gift will go a long way to help. The Red Cross and Yelé Haïti are some of the reputable organizations accepting small donations via text. In addition United Way Worldwide has just set up a text number for donations. In addition to your donation amount, standard text messaging fees will apply.
  • United Way Worldwide: Text HAITI to 864833 (more info)
  • Red Cross: Text HAITI to 90999 ($10 donation)
  • Yéle Haïti: Text YELE to 501501 ($5 donation)
• Other relief organizations are listed here: http://www.agmconnect.org/featurehaiti.aspx

Thanks for being conscientious and generous global citizens.  Your support will help Haiti recover and rebuild.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.